Look at the nations and see! Be astonished! Be astounded! For a work is being done in your days that you would not believe if you were told. - Habakkuk 1:5
I always wonder how the men who created the Revised Common Lectionary decided what was included and what wasn’t. This passage is missing a huge portion of chapter 1. The chunk that is missing here talks about the Chaldeans, who seem to be the oppressor this time. Interestingly enough, they are a military superpower who take advantage of everyone and eat luxurious foods. Mmmm… I wonder if the second part of the passage was too close to home so these men - they were men - decided to leave it out, because it pointed a finger at their own nations.
When I read the whole chapter, eating my ice cream and Nutella and charcuterie board, I see myself convicted. I am responsible for this violence and Injustice. We all are.
When you read the Bible, do you see yourself within the oppressed or the oppressor?
What steps can you take to continue to expand the perspective you bring to reading the Bible?
Share a thought in the comments below. Or if you are too shy for that, share us with a friend.
I am, like we all are, both to a degree. Being present is the best way I know how to learn who I am in spaces and how I might respond meaningfully.